Win or loose this is an exercise to address what I perceive as areas of focus to improve roster for playoff football specifically vs Belichick/Brady Patriot team. The Hoodie finally cashed in his draft picks after trading down yearly to add impact players on defense, Chandler Jones, DE, Dont'a Hightower, ILB, (Texans mock pick pre-draft) Tavon Wilson, FS, Jake Bequette, DE, Nate Ebner, SS & CB Alfonzo Dennard (who I cannot understand why slipped as far as he did). Patriots killed it from defensive standpoint. In prior draft focus was on addressing RB position & OL. Then they traded for Aqib Talib another former first round cornerback who if straight, is a top level corner for basically nothing http://aol.sportingnews.com/nfl/stor...-cornerback-sb Now Patriots are a complete team, they will probably go back to trading back philosophy, stock pile picks & just try to add playmakers on both side of the ball.

So how do the Texans answer, compete against such a well built, organization with elite leader both on sidelines & in backfield? Rick Smith has done a fine job transitioning Houston from a AFC South doormat into AFC Championship caliber NFL playoff team, winning two games in postseason back to back years, but now the challenge will be taking it to next level. Right or wrong it always comes back to the QB position, yet we don't foresee Kubiak making any drastic changes, however succession planning for position will now be addressed. Matt turned 31 & is in the prime of his career now but in a couple more years when his contract extension he recently signed this past off-season winds down a transition must be made to another signal caller, hopefully polished with enough athletic ability to extend plays longer while still run this offense.

Combine this with fact that 67 underclassman have declared already to come out early, that surpass'es record set last year when 65 juniors and red-shirt sophomores entered the 2012 draft. Texans still hold all their picks for 2013 plus have at least three compensatory picks, maybe four, to address team needs. Additional emphasis on special teams, still looking for plus returner & would consider Bray's teammate Cordarrelle Patterson if available or Texans unwilling to make QB transition now.

First Round: Tyler Bray, QB, Tennessee (Jr.) 6050 215
Has raw ability, leadership qualities, strong accurate arm to become Texan next franchise QB. This will benefit Schaub both from motivational aspect to mentoring & extending his career. I think its time to seriously consider the future of this franchise & Texans could use Yates to move up in early round or pick up additional pick. Bra(d)y has measureables that will intrique Texans QB guru/HC Gary Kubiak & shape war room to justify making this investment now.

Second Round: DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Clemson (Jr.) 6000 200
Very productive, 1,405 yards (school record) 18 touchdown catches (ACC record) with a team-high 82 receptions. With depth in this years WR class there will be plus value, given his less than elite size or electric speed he should be available in the 2nd round. Texans have players they can use to trade up or extra picks to use if they really target him & position to upgrade weapons for Schaub & Bray to be more dynamic.

Third Round: David Bakhtiari, OT/OG, Colorado (Jr.) 6040 295

Versatile linemen who fits ZBS, has played RT now LT past two seasons making him at least ideal swing tackle prospect for Texans as Newton establishes himself as the starting RT of the future. Ultimately I see Bakhtari becoming Wade Smith replacement @ LG, similar to Logan Mankins for Patriots.

Third Round Compensatory (Mario Williams): Jelani Jenkins, LB, Florida (Jr.) 6000 237
Edge rusher despite lack of size the target here is combination of speed & pass rushing skills. With added bulk he could also slide inside, played position before for Gators, exceptional sideline to sideline speed. In the mold of Mychal Kendricks (5-11, 239) & Lavonte David (6-1, 233). Before you shoot him down think about possibility next to Cushing? Jenkins was productive in his career. He started 31 games and registered 182 tackles (16.5 behind the line) with six sacks and three picks for UF. Endured multiple injuries this past season, including a broken thumb, a fractured foot and a hamstring injury. He recorded 29 tackles with two sacks and an interception, which is only reason still on the board this late.

Fourth Round: Joseph Fauria, TE, UCLA (rSr.) 6065 255

Currently graded out as a 7th rd. prospect by CBS sports one would think his stock will actually be much higher so upped his slot to sweet spot where Texans typically take a TE, the 4th rd. Texans don't just need TE production to run offense they depend on it to convert 1st downs especially 3rd down situations, but they also continue to struggle in red zones. A bigger TE prospect in the mold of Gronkowski Texans should covet. We will see this Sunday against the Patriots.

Fifth Round: Kwame Geathers, NT, Georgia (Jr.) 6054 355
Surprise early declaration into draft following in John Jenkins footsteps literally. Lot of football talent in family, adds physical presence inside, rotational player for jumbo packages. Gives Wade Phillips another tool in his box to compress pocket/running lanes & keep guys legs fresh. In 2012, Geathers played in all 14 games and finished with 40 tackles, including 5.0 tackles for loss and a sack, and one blocked field goal. Valued depth piece @ coveted 3-4 nose tackle position, that is required IMO.

Lock to supplant a steady but not spectacular Donnie Jones who turn 33 this year but the real kicker (no pun intended) is that his strong leg converted 71 touch backs in 2012 more than any other player in College football. That my friends is a new weapon for special teams warranting selection. This would help also keep Randy Bullock (placed on IR) healthy, fresh & focused on converting his job, converting field goals & extra points.

Great late round value (I know a lot of you want a corner taken earlier) but Nigel can play next level probably more of a nickle CB who is similar to FA to be Brice McCain (taken in 6th rd. 09). 5 int's in 2012 w/51 tackles, 7 int's in 2011 w/58 tackles he is not a one year wonder bringing constant pressure in man coverage & solid tackler in run support despite size.

Sixth Round: Ivory Wade, C/OG, Baylor (Sr.) 6030 310

I'll admit have had fixation with Baylor Center position for past couple years in seeming less never ending stream of NFL quality OL players. Both smart & athletic he has shown improvement every game playing new position, experienced both tackle positions as well displaying excellent versatility & fit in ZBS. By adding two picks on the offensive line who fit Texans will overcome loss previous season along with bad luck injury wise that has wrecked havoc is both passing & running game.

Seventh Round: Brandon Wilson, FB, Kansas State (Sr.) 6035 254

Mel Kipper's top FB prospect is graded as a 7th rd. pick if so Texans should jump on him http://www.kansascity.com/2012/08/11...more-than.html Core special teams player who adds depth & lead blocking specialist. He is an old-school player that loves the physical aspect of the game, Vonta Leach is missed.

Stashed him here on purpose, missed entire season due to knee surgery to alleviate pain partial tears of both patellar tendons. By training camp he will back to 100% & compete with former teammate Eddie Pleasant helping solidify Texans safety positions. While Eddie defined the term strong safety with his physical style, Boyett is more of a big CB who is a ball hawk. Demonstrated excellent leadership skills & was captain of secondary. Last year Boyett was Oregon's leading tackler with 108, including 3½ for a loss and a sack. He also had an interception, seven pass defenses and two blocked kicks. Improves special teams. http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=...C5A8AE&first=0

I absolutely love this draft. I'm real big on Bray and Hopkins, Jenkins would be the guy that can supply pressure opposite Watt and Cushing that this defense is missing. That alone would make this a great draft. Bray is my #1 rated QB.

3.Bakhtiari- is re real sleeper, I've watched 3 games of Colorado football and for that team to be so bad, they've got 3 guys that could have NFL futures, (Bakhtiari,Kasa,Pericak) Bakhtiari is the best prospect because he is a big guy that can move and uses great techinique. I think he can beat out Newton his rookie yr.

4. Fauria hopefully will be there,great RZ target, if not there are several TE's that are comparable TE's that will be available.

5.Geathers- really like him hopefully he's there. I would consider trading up for him.

5.Malone- fiesty little CB, replaces McCain if he leaves in FA. Malone is fearless and will help set the edge despite his diminutive stature.

5. Sharp would be an upgrade at K. I would keep him as the Kickoff guy. If Sharp was on this yrs team, the Colts KO probably wouldn't have happened and the Texans would be playing at home this weekend against Baltimore.

6. Wade- saw him play one game, didn't pay attention. However Baylors offense could do whatever they wanted against the Horns. Baylor OL usually do well in the pros. Good pick this late in the draft.

6. Wilson- know nothing about him

7. Boyett- I've got him rated much higher. This guys a player, probably would be a 3-4th rd pick without the injury.

Overall, this is my favorite mock that I've seen by anybody so far. (Including mine. LOL) The only need I've got rated higher is S and they should be able to find an up grade in the 4-5th rd range. Once again our mock draft minds are thinkin along the same lines. (Shocking, LOL)

interesting mock like your players except Bray. I think his got really poor decision making and accuracy. I agree his got all the physical attributes but i just dont see a franchise player in him, especially in our system where you need to be very accurate in the short to medium passes.
With all the dominant WRs he had and a decent o-line at Ten he didnt perform as well as i would like.
I would prefer Jones/nassib in the 2nd or Dysert in the 2nd/3rd.

hopkins is clearly a playmaker but im pretty high on Posey so i think we could use something else or a different type of receiver i.e. 6.3ft 210lbs

everything else i really like, especially the work you did on the o-line, gives us good depth and competition.

really like wilson i mocked him as well.

ps. when you mock do you try to predict what the texans WILL do or what they SHOULD do in your opinion

Last edited by aussie_texan; 01-12-2013 at 09:23 PM.
Reason: spelling and added info

[size="3"]First Round: Tyler Bray, QB, Tennessee (Jr.) 6050 215Has raw ability, leadership qualities, strong accurate arm to become Texan next franchise QB. This will benefit Schaub both from motivational aspect to mentoring & extending his career. I think its time to seriously consider the future of this franchise & Texans could use Yates to move up in early round or pick up additional pick. Bra(d)y has measureables that will intrique Texans QB guru/HC Gary Kubiak & shape war room to justify making this investment now.

It's a small thing, but I'd love to get a QB without any association to the number 8 whatsoever.

interesting mock like your players except Bray. I think his got really poor decision making and accuracy. I agree his got all the physical attributes but i just dont see a franchise player in him, especially in our system where you need to be very accurate in the short to medium passes.

hopkins is clearly a playmaker but im pretty high on Posey so i think we could use something else or a different type of receiver i.e. 6.3ft 210lbs

everything else i really like, especially the work you did on the o-line, gives us good depth and competition.

really like wilson i mocked him as well.

ps. when you mock do you try to predict what the texans WILL do or what they SHOULD do in your opinion

Yeah,

34 TD's 12 Ints almost 60% comp %, 3612 yds passing. Very inaccurate. I watched 7-8 of Brays games this yr and the guy is very talented. In fact I could see the Chiefs/Reid taking Joeckel #1 and then trading back into the bottom of the 1st rd and picking Bray.

He's not perfect, footwork needs to be refined and he needs to be more of a leader, but accuracy isn't a problem and can certainly be improved with coaching. He's Big Ben with the attitude and everything, minus the rapist thingy.

34 TD's 12 Ints almost 60% comp %, 3612 yds passing. Very inaccurate. I watched 7-8 of Brays games this yr and the guy is very talented. In fact I could see the Chiefs/Reid taking Joeckel #1 and then trading back into the bottom of the 1st rd and picking Bray.

He's not perfect, footwork needs to be refined and he needs to be more of a leader, but accuracy isn't a problem and can certainly be improved with coaching. He's Big Ben with the attitude and everything, minus the rapist thingy.

maybe we watched different games but i often saw his receivers having to re-adjust to bad throws, showing that his stats are more because of his talented receivers rather then him. His good at the deep throw when his got time and he gets to drive the ball but his short and medium passes are below average.
just my opinion.

maybe we watched different games but i often saw his receivers having to re-adjust to bad throws, showing that his stats are more because of his talented receivers rather then him. His good at the deep throw when his got time and he gets to drive the ball but his short and medium passes are below average.
just my opinion.

Short and medium he's fairly accurate, except when he gets lazy with his footwork and doesn't step into his throws. He still completes a good % of throws not stepping into the throw because of his arm strength. But would be much better with Gary getting to work with Bray and getting him to step into the short/intermediate throws like he does the deep throws.

Brays mechaNics currently remind me of Staffords. He releases the ball from all different angles and sometimes throws the ball moving away from his target. I just think Gary can fix that in the yr that he sits behind Schaub.

Short and medium he's fairly accurate, except when he gets lazy with his footwork and doesn't step into his throws. He still completes a good % of throws not stepping into the throw because of his arm strength. But would be much better with Gary getting to work with Bray and getting him to step into the short/intermediate throws like he does the deep throws.

Brays mechaNics currently remind me of Staffords. He releases the ball from all different angles and sometimes throws the ball moving away from his target. I just think Gary can fix that in the yr that he sits behind Schaub.

if he can develop into a stafford i would be very happy. if you and beerlover believe he can develop into a franchise QB i.e. top 10 QB well then obviously it will be a great pick. if we did draft him i would be all for it because i trust in the FO in their evaluations over mine

I really like this draft with the exception of Bray. I know next to nothing of him, will watch some film.

Andre Ware is a huge Bray fan. I really trust him. Andre worked several of his games has a good feel for his talent level. Accuracy is fine, can make all the throws. His core strength should improve in the Pros. Long framed with room to add 15-20 lbs no problem. Andre is also enamored with his presence & composure during interviews. Can shoulder pressure with ease. What has hurt him is flux in coaching carousel, no continuity. So I feel that Bray does have total package Kubiak could mold into a legitimate franchise QB for Texan fans thirsting for a Championship. Also feel if Bray stayed his Senior season despite losing two plus receivers, his stock would be top 15 so value is good.

interesting mock like your players except Bray. I think his got really poor decision making and accuracy. I agree his got all the physical attributes but i just dont see a franchise player in him, especially in our system where you need to be very accurate in the short to medium passes.
With all the dominant WRs he had and a decent o-line at Ten he didnt perform as well as i would like.
I would prefer Jones/nassib in the 2nd or Dysert in the 2nd/3rd.

hopkins is clearly a playmaker but im pretty high on Posey so i think we could use something else or a different type of receiver i.e. 6.3ft 210lbs

everything else i really like, especially the work you did on the o-line, gives us good depth and competition.

really like wilson i mocked him as well.

ps. when you mock do you try to predict what the texans WILL do or what they SHOULD do in your opinion

It use to be what I thought they should do because I did not trust Casserly then Rick before he proved himself. Duane Brown & Brian Cushing drafts got me over that. Now I try to just let it go & project drafting best players available who fit Texan criteria @ positions of need.

Andre Ware is a huge Bray fan. I really trust him. Andre worked several of his games has a good feel for his talent level.

From what I've seen of bray I think he's a second or thord round talent. When I watched some games I see an o line that was good and kept him clean and I see some really good receivers. He looks like schaub to me with a slightly better deep ball. Limited mobility, not apt of zip on the short and intermediate passes.

I'm just looking at physical attributes, how they sense pressure, how quickly they make reads and how they improvise. Decision making can be remedied with a good scheme... But as far as the things I'm looking at, bray didn't really fit. Not a terrible player...but not the eventual schaub replacement I'd be looking for.

And as far as Andre was goes, I trust his evaluations as much as I trust anyone elses besides what I see with my own eyes.

Andre ware was 100% sold that mark Sanchez would be a star qb in the NFL. I remember before that draft and into his rookie year he said several times that Sanchez was a big time player.

And I don't think Sanchez sucks at all, but he's far from the player ware said he'd be.

I like the draft minus Bray. I don't really see any guys this year except for Nassib/Dysert that I think could be better than Schaub, and they aren't sure things to do it either. Next year has the potential to be a much better Qb class, so i personally hope they wait.

From what I've seen of bray I think he's a second or thord round talent. When I watched some games I see an o line that was good and kept him clean and I see some really good receivers. He looks like schaub to me with a slightly better deep ball. Limited mobility, not apt of zip on the short and intermediate passes.

I'm just looking at physical attributes, how they sense pressure, how quickly they make reads and how they improvise. Decision making can be remedied with a good scheme... But as far as the things I'm looking at, bray didn't really fit. Not a terrible player...but not the eventual schaub replacement I'd be looking for.

And as far as Andre was goes, I trust his evaluations as much as I trust anyone elses besides what I see with my own eyes.

Andre ware was 100% sold that mark Sanchez would be a star qb in the NFL. I remember before that draft and into his rookie year he said several times that Sanchez was a big time player.

And I don't think Sanchez sucks at all, but he's far from the player ware said he'd be.

Quote:

Originally Posted by thunderkyss

I just watched the YouTube highlights from the Georgia game. didn't really see that "get out of the pocket when you need it" mentality, also do not like his release, looked terribly inconsistent.

Quote:

Originally Posted by coon

I like the draft minus Bray. I don't really see any guys this year except for Nassib/Dysert that I think could be better than Schaub, and they aren't sure things to do it either. Next year has the potential to be a much better Qb class, so i personally hope they wait.

Ware compares Bray to Brady. So it's not surprising to see later round grades on this young man since he has yet to evolve into the player some project.

Key thing to remember when talking Texans w/Kubes is the system he runs which requires a specific type of QB like a Schaub or Bray. Running play-action fake well with crisp execution is a must. Ability to survey the field, keep his eyes downfield & calmly go through progressions a must. Like Schaub he absorbs hits, takes punishment & displays toughness. Make no mistake about the fact Schaub is competitive nature & intelligent approach but Bray has plus tools in comparison. There is no doubt he had talent around him but the system Derek Dooley instituted after Kiffin never evolved into a strong cohesive & consistent program. Tennessee is a great College Football institution that has under-performed due to lack of leadership & coaching which must compete at the highest level (SEC) in order to be successful.

I remember watching Schuab play @ Virginia, tall skinny kid that had a penchant for throwing the ball vertically downfield. Pocket passer with limited mobility but could audible or check down when under pressure to avoid turnovers. When we had HWMNBN @ QB the search was on but this was pre-Kubes. Schaub was scooped up early in the 3rd rd. by Atlanta. Couple years later Rick Smith told Gary he had someone he needed to meet so they hooked up on the Golf Course & the rest is history. Now instead of a 3rd rd. pick it cost the Texans TWO early 2nd rd. picks plus swapping out #1's. 70 or 90 million dollars later (whatever Texans have paid to Schaub, not to mention HWMNBN) we have a window to project his future replacement for a mere late 1st, to me that makes it seem a whole lot better that it may appear first glance. Bray is a plus version of Schaub with a couple years mentoring he could be a whole lot better in Kubiaks system.

Ware compares Bray to Brady. So it's not surprising to see later round grades on this young man since he has yet to evolve into the player some project.

Key thing to remember when talking Texans w/Kubes is the system he runs which requires a specific type of QB like a Schaub or Bray. Running play-action fake well with crisp execution is a must. Ability to survey the field, keep his eyes downfield & calmly go through progressions a must. Like Schaub he absorbs hits, takes punishment & displays toughness. Make no mistake about the fact Schaub is competitive nature & intelligent approach but Bray has plus tools in comparison. There is no doubt he had talent around him but the system Derek Dooley instituted after Kiffin never evolved into a strong cohesive & consistent program. Tennessee is a great College Football institution that has under-performed due to lack of leadership & coaching which must compete at the highest level (SEC) in order to be successful.

I remember watching Schuab play @ Virginia, tall skinny kid that had a penchant for throwing the ball vertically downfield. Pocket passer with limited mobility but could audible or check down when under pressure to avoid turnovers. When we had HWMNBN @ QB the search was on but this was pre-Kubes. Schaub was scooped up early in the 3rd rd. by Atlanta. Couple years later Rick Smith told Gary he had someone he needed to meet so they hooked up on the Golf Course & the rest is history. Now instead of a 3rd rd. pick it cost the Texans TWO early 2nd rd. picks plus swapping out #1's. 70 or 90 million dollars later (whatever Texans have paid to Schaub, not to mention HWMNBN) we have a window to project his future replacement for a mere late 1st, to me that makes it seem a whole lot better that it may appear first glance. Bray is a plus version of Schaub with a couple years mentoring he could be a whole lot better in Kubiaks system.

I completely agree with that, I just think that getting McCarron or Mariota next year with a late first is a better alternative. ( I have posted about McCarron before the national title game, so this is not a preference based in hype)

I completely agree with that, I just think that getting McCarron or Mariota next year with a late first is a better alternative. ( I have posted about McCarron before the national title game, so this is not a preference based in hype)

I still think it's too early to start looking for Matt's replacement, especially with the climate in Houston, regarding Matt Schaub. Now's not a good time to spend a first or a second on a QB.

I think Kubiak has a system, a system that can win games with David Carr or Sage Rosenfels. If something were to happen to Matt & the back up has to go in, I don't think our season is lost with a Tj Yates or Case Keenum. Been there, done that.

I'd rather spend that first rounder on an Andre Johnson replacement, or a Wade Smith replacement, or a Kevin Walter replacement.